Sports
Courses
Gym & Fitness Instructor / Personal Trainer
Level 5
Sports, Recreation & Exercise
Level 5
Sports Injury & Massage Therapy / Pre-University Physiotherapy
Level 5
Sports, Recreation & Exercise
Level 6
Gym & Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer
Course Code: 5M5146
Course Content:
- Sport and Recreation Studies
- Exercise and Fitness
- Nutrition
- Sport Anatomy and Physiology
- Sports Injury Prevention
- Leisure Facility Operations
- Communications
- Work Experience
- PHECC First Aid Response
Award:
- QQI Level 5 Certificate in Sports, Recreation and Exercise
- ITEC Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing
- ITEC Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training
Aim:
The principal aim of the ITEC Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing (Gym based exercise) is to provide the learner with the knowledge and practical skills as an introduction into the Fitness sector. The ITEC Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training enables the learner to gain the practical and theoretical skills necessary to provide personal training, advice and assistance for active leisure and recreation.
Progression & Career Options:
Graduates may progress into employment as Personal Trainers and Gym Instructors in a variety of settings within the Health and Fitness Industry.
Graduates from this course may gain entry to a range of sport related degree programmes in:
![]() UCC |
![]() WIT |
![]() IT Sligo |
![]() IT Carlow |
![]() IT Tralee |
![]() DKIT |
![]() TU Dublin |
Course Code and QQI Title: 5M5146 – Soccer Coaching
DIFE Course Title: Soccer Coaching
Level 7 and 8 Courses to which this course is linked: |
|
DIFE | Sport, Recreation and Exercise QQI Level 6 |
TU Dublin (Blanchardstown Campus) | Sports Coaching and Business |
DKIT | Sport Exercise and Enterprise |
IT Tralee |
Health and Leisure (Route to PE teaching through PME in Physical Education in UL) |
Entry to a range of other courses in Institutes of Technology. |
This is not an exhaustive list. Applicants are advised at all times to confirm linked Awards, any additional module requirements, application processes and scoring systems with the Admissions Offices of the participating higher education institutions, or visit www.cao.ie.
Course Code and QQI Title: 5M5146 – Soccer Coaching
DIFE Course Title: Soccer Coaching
Student Registration Fee | € 200 |
PLC Government Levy | € 200 |
QQI Exam Fee | € 50 |
Course Fees/Materials | € 252 – ITEC Exam Fee |
DIFE Total | € 702 |
Sports, Recreation & Exercise
Course Code: 5M5146
Course Content:
- Sport & Recreation Studies
- Exercise & Fitness
- Soccer Coaching
- Basketball Coaching
- Gaelic Coaching
- Badminton Coaching
- Nutrition
- Sports Anatomy and Physiology
- Communications
- Work Experience
- Shallow Water Pool Lifeguard (Water Safety Ireland)
Award:
- QQI Level 5 award in Sport, Recreation and Exercise.
- NGB Coaching Qualifications including: Basketball Ireland Introductory Coaching Award, GAA Foundation Coaching Award, FAI PDP 1.
Aim:
This is a one year course designed to prepare students for a career in the sports and leisure industry, or provide a pathway to further study. The course aims to encourage students to engage in a range of sports both practically and theoretically.
Progression & Career Options:
Graduates can gain employment as Sports Coaches or Lifeguards. Alternatively students may choose this course as a progression path to a Level 6 award in Sports, Recreation and Exercise in this College or seek to gain entry onto a range of sports related Degree programmes in:
![]() UCC |
![]() WIT |
![]() IT Sligo |
![]() IT Carlow |
![]() IT Tralee |
![]() DKIT |
![]() TU Dublin |
![]() St Mary’s University, Twickenham |
![]() Liverpool Hope University |
Course Code and QQI Title: 5M5146 – Sports, Recreation & Exercise
DIFE Course Title: Sports, Recreation & Exercise
Level 7 and 8 Courses to which this course is linked: |
|
AIT, WIT | Sport and Recreation |
IT Sligo | Recreation and Leisure |
DKIT | Sports Exercise and Enterprise. Health and Physical Activity. |
IT Carlow | Sports Rehabilitation and Athletic Therapy, Physiology and Health Science. |
UCC | Sports Studies and Physical Education – 2nd Level PE Teaching |
IT Tralee |
Health and Leisure (Route to PE Teaching through PME in Physical Education in UL) |
LYIT | Sport Exercice & Physical Education |
St Mary’s University, Twickenham, London | PE Teaching |
Liverpool Hope University, London | PE Teaching |
Entry to a range of other courses in Institutes of Technology. |
This is not an exhaustive list. Applicants are advised at all times to confirm linked Awards, any additional module requirements, application processes and scoring systems with the Admissions Offices of the participating higher education institutions, or visit www.cao.ie.
Course Code and QQI Title: 5M5146 – Sports, Recreation & Exercise
DIFE Course Title: Sports, Recreation & Exercise
Student Registration Fee | € 200 |
PLC Government Levy | € 200 |
QQI Exam Fee | € 50 |
Course Fees/Materials | € 141 – Coaching Courses |
DIFE Total | € 591 |
Sports Injury & Massage Therapy / Pre-University Physiotherapy
Course Code: 5M5146
Course Content:
- Sports and Exercise Injury Prevention
- Sports Massage (ITEC Level 3/4 Certificate)
- Kinesiology
- Sports Anatomy & Physiology
- Nutrition
- Sports & Recreation Studies
- Exercise & Fitness
- Shallow Water Pool Lifeguard (Water Safety Ireland)
- Communications
- Work Experience
- Body Massage & Figure Analysis
- First Aid Responder (PHECC)
Award:
QQI Level 5 Certificate in Sports, Recreation and Exercise. ITEC Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy (Level 3 & 4). Water Safety Ireland Lifeguard Certificate First Aid Responder (PHECC)
Aim:
This one year course provides students with the opportunity to pursue further studies in Sports Injuries and Physical Therapy. The majority of students successfully completing this course progress onto Third Level Degree Programmes.
Progression & Career Options:
Graduates from this course may apply for employment as lifeguards and/or sports massage therapists. Alternatively students may choose this course as a progression path to a Level 6 award in Sports, Recreation and Exercise in DIFE or seek to gain entry onto a range of sports/health related Degree programmes in:
![]() IT Carlow |
![]() DKIT |
![]() TU Dublin |
![]() WIT |
Graduates may also apply for Physiotherapy in the following Universities:
- Hanze University, Netherlands
- Wolverhampton University, UK
- Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
- Sunderland, UK
- Winchester University, UK
Course Code and QQI Title: 5M5146 – Sports, Recreation & Exercise
DIFE Course Title: Sports Injury Treatment
Level 7 and 8 Courses to which this course is linked: |
|
DIFE | Sport, Recreation & Exercise QQI Level 6 |
AIT | Sport and Recreation |
WIT | Sport and Recreation |
IT Sligo | Sport and Leisure |
DKIT | Sports Exercise and Enterprise, Health and Physical Activity. |
IT Carlow | Sport Rehabilitation and Athletic Therapy, Physiology and Health Science |
IT Tralee |
Health and Leisure (Route to PE Teaching through the PME in Physical Education in UL) |
Winchester University | Physiotherapy (specific conditions will have to be met) |
Salford University | Physiotherapy (specific conditions will have to be met) |
Teeside University | Physiotherapy (specific conditions will have to be met) |
Wolverhampton University, UK | Physiotherapy (specific conditions will have to be met) |
Entry to a range of other courses in Institutes of Technology. |
This is not an exhaustive list. Applicants are advised at all times to confirm linked Awards, any additional module requirements, application processes and scoring systems with the Admissions Offices of the participating higher education institutions, or visit www.cao.ie.
Course Code and QQI Title: 5M5146 – Sports, Recreation & Exercise
DIFE Course Title: Sports Injury Treatment
Student Registration Fee | € 200 |
PLC Government Levy | € 200 |
QQI Exam Fee | € 50 |
Course Fees/Materials | € 255 – ITEC Exam Fee and Additional Training |
DIFE Total | € 705 |
Sports, Recreation & Exercise (Level 6)
Course Code: 6M5147
Course Content:
- Sports Industry Practice
- Sports Nutrition
- Sports Psychology
- Soccer Coaching
- Health Promotion
- Exercise & Fitness
- Lifeguarding
- Fitness Instructor (NCEF) – extra charge
- Communications
- Work Experience
- Gaelic Coaching
- ITEC Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Thearpy
Award:
QQI Level 6 Award in Sports, Recreation and Exercise. Other accredited qualifications are also offered in various sports. A fitness qualification can also be obtained during this year by completing the National Certificate in Exercise & Fitness (NCEF) – Accredited by the University of Limerick. Water Safety Ireland Lifeguard Certificate.
Aim:
This is an additional one year course designed to prepare students for a career in sports coaching, the sports and leisure industry. This course also provides a pathway to further study in various related sports degrees.
Entry Requirements:
Applicants for this course must have successfully achieved a Level 5 QQI award in Sport, Recreation & Exercise or equivalent.
Progression & Career Options:
Graduates may apply for entry to a wide range of sports related 3rd Level Degree courses in:
![]() UCC |
![]() WIT |
![]() IT Sligo |
![]() IT Carlow |
![]() DKIT |
![]() St Mary’s University, Twickenham |
![]() Liverpool Hope University |
Students who have undertaken the NCEF instructor’s qualification may work directly in the fitness industry as instructors. Students can apply for direct entry onto Year 2 Sport, Exercise and Enterprises in DKIT.
Course Code and QQI Title: 5M5146 – Sports, Recreation & Exercise (Level 6)
DIFE Course Title: Sports, Recreation & Exercise (Level 6)
Level 7 and 8 Courses to which this course is linked: |
|
AIT, WIT | Sport and Recreation |
IT Sligo | Recreation and Leisure |
DKIT | Sports Exercise and Enterprise, Health and Physical Activity |
IT Carlow | Sports Rehabilitation and Athletic Therapy, Physiology and Health Science |
UCC | Sports Studies and Physical Education, 2nd Level PE Teaching |
IT Tralee | Health and Leisure (Route to PE Teaching through PME in Physical Education through UL) |
NCEF | Trade Qualification for employment as a fitness instructor. |
Entry to a range of other courses in Institutes of Technology. |
This is not an exhaustive list. Applicants are advised at all times to confirm linked Awards, any additional module requirements, application processes and scoring systems with the Admissions Offices of the participating higher education institutions, or visit www.cao.ie.
Course Code and QQI Title: 5M5146 – Sports, Recreation & Exercise (Level 6)
DIFE Course Title: Sports, Recreation & Exercise (Level 6)
Student Registration Fee | € 200 |
PLC Government Levy | € 200 |
QQI Exam Fee | € 80 |
Course Fees/Materials | € 110 – Coaching Courses |
DIFE Total | € 590 |
‘I cannot believe how after two years in DIFE I am getting so much work’ – Karolis Jurkunis (student 2014/16)
Pre-University Physiotherapy (Level 6)
Course Code: 6M5147
Course Content:
- TBC
Award:
QQI Level 6 Award in Sports, Recreation and Exercise.
Aim:
This full time Level 6 course will appeal to those interested in pursuing a career in Physiotherapy/Sports Therapy. The course will provide learners with the theoretical and practical knowledge to study Physiotherapy or Sports Rehabilitation Therapy at a higher level or to work in the fitness industry.
Entry Requirements:
This full time Level 6 course will appeal to those interested in pursuing a career in Physiotherapy/Sports Therapy. The course will provide learners with the theoretical and practical knowledge to study Physiotherapy or Sports Rehabilitation Therapy at a higher level or to work in the fitness industry.
Progression & Career Options:
On successful completion of this course graduates are eligible to apply for Physiotherapy to a number of Universities in the UK and the Netherlands. Mature graduates can apply for Physiotherapy in UCD, TCD, RCSI. Graduates may also apply for entry to a wide range of other sports related Third Level Degree courses in:
![]() UCC |
![]() IT Carlow |
![]() IT Sligo |
![]() DKIT |
![]() ITB |
![]() WIT |
Graduates may also apply for Physiotherapy in the following Universities:
- Hanze University, Netherlands
- Wolverhampton University UK
- Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
- Sunderland, UK
- Winchester University, UK
Course Code and QQI Title: 5M5147 – Pre-University Physiotherapy (Level 6)
DIFE Course Title: Pre-University Physiotherapy (Level 6)
Level 7 and 8 Courses to which this course is linked: |
|
UCC | Sports Science and PE |
IT Carlow | Sports Science, Rehabilitation and Athletic Therapy, Sports Science (Strenght and Conditioning, Physiology and Health) |
DKIT | Health and Physical Activity |
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh | Physiotherapy |
Wolverhampton University, UK | Physiotherapy |
Hanze University of Applied Science, Netherlands | Physiotherapy |
Fontys University of Applied Science, Netherlands | Physiotherapy |
Winchester University | Physiotherapy (specific conditions will have to be met) |
Salford University | Physiotherapy (specific conditions will have to be met) |
Teeeside University | Physiotherapy (specific conditions will have to be met) |
Entry to a range of other courses in Institutes of Technology. |
This is not an exhaustive list. Applicants are advised at all times to confirm linked Awards, any additional module requirements, application processes and scoring systems with the Admissions Offices of the participating higher education institutions, or visit www.cao.ie.
Course Code and QQI Title: 5M5147 – Pre-University Physiotherapy (Level 6)
DIFE Course Title: Pre-University Physiotherapy (Level 6)
Student Registration Fee | € 200 |
PLC Government Levy | € 200 |
QQI Exam Fee | € 50 |
Course Fees/Materials | € 255 – ITEC Exam Fee & Additional Training |
DIFE Total | € 705 |
‘I cannot believe how after two years in DIFE I am getting so much work’ – Karolis Jurkunis (student 2014/16)